Whitehaven continued their good run of form against the leading teams in the West Lancashire Premier Division.
The West Cumbrians travelled to Blackpool Wren Rovers and after going 2-0 behind fought back in the second-half to earn a creditable draw.
Indeed they should have won it 3-2 but in the 91st minute the referee disallowed a goal by Shane Tyson, admitting afterwards he had made a mistake.
Whitehaven had started well, forcing a couple of early corners before Wrens broke down the left and a cross wasn’t dealt with.
It fell to striker Ric Sear who calmly slotted the ball past keeper Tom Fowler.
The game was end-to-end, although scrappy at times due to the condition of the pitch. Even home manager Craig Doble admitted it was probably the worst in the League.
The last 15 minutes of the first half proved very controversial. First came a soft penalty for the hosts after their left winger had drove into the box and whipped in a shot which struck defender Aidan Smith on the chest.
The referee awarded a penalty which was slotted home by Tarren Moxon – and video footage later showed the ball had struck Smith’s chest.
On 40 minutes there was a lifeline for Whitehaven when Josh Green was through on goal and was taken out by a home defender who received a straight red card.
Against the ten men Whitehaven dominated the second-half but it did take them half an hour to get on the scoresheet.
Excellent pressing from Owen Woodburn resulted in the ball landing at the feet of George Frampton who calmly bent the ball into the top corner.
Relentless Whitehaven pressure ended with another goal two minutes later.
A beautifully threaded pass by Matt Reid to the overlapping Green ended with Woodburn knocking home his ninth league goal of the season.
Then came Tyson’s strike in added time only to be ruled out, and the referee admitting afterwards he had got the decision wrong.
Manager Jon Karl Benson said afterwards: “Although the team play wasn’t pretty I was really pleased with the attitude and commitment.
“There was a big thank you to the players who came into the squad and hadn’t played for the first team this season.
“It was one of those days when Christmas markets and works parties had an effect on team availability.
“We are all looking forward now to the big derby game up next against Cleator Moor Celtic.”
